EP2469488A1 - Device for dispensing water - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has an electronic billing unit for measuring the amount of water consumption. The supply of water from a water tank (8) to a tap (3), is controlled by a control panel. The electronic billing unit is provided with two types of storage medium for storing and transferring calculated water billing data between each other, according to the charging necessity of one of the storage media. A central accounting unit is arranged in a closed housing, for simultaneously receiving and processing the data from the storage media.

Description

The invention relates to a device for controlling the delivery of water with the features specified in the preamble of claim 1.

Plants for water extraction and dosed water discharge are state of the art and are used in particular in arid areas of the third world. They regularly have at least one water reservoir, which is typically fed by a pump arranged in a well bore. The system is powered by photovoltaic or wind energy and is battery-backed. On the one hand to allow the delivery of water in the manner of a payment system, but on the other hand to avoid damage by theft of cash attempts, in such systems typically a generic device is provided which controls the delivery of water to at least one tap and a cashless with electronic Storage media operating payroll unit is equipped. The storage medium used is typically an electronic memory card, be it a chip-based or magnetic-coated card or an electronic storage medium in any other form, for example a memory chip cast in plastic. Regardless of the storage medium, this is designed to deliver a value to be read out there in the billing unit, after the water withdrawal or billing within the billing unit, this previously read value is replaced by a new value, ie that the medium not only readable, but also is writable. As storage media For example, memory cards with magnetic stripes or chip-based memory cards can be used. Advantageously, storage media are used here, which can be read out and read in and out. It belongs to the prior art to charge the storage media in a so-called charging station against payment of money or in another billing mode with value units, which are then queried in the billing unit and deleted or overwritten by a new value.

A disadvantage of the known device is that when the value units are consumed by the storage medium, this only has to be brought back to a charging station in order to be charged. This is unfavorable because the consumer / customer must go not only to the delivery of water to the billing unit or tapping point, but also in due course also to the charging station. This can be particularly unfavorable in rural areas, where distances are large and the number of charging stations is low.

Against this background, the invention has the object, a generic device in such a way that it is more flexible and in particular avoids the aforementioned disadvantages.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the features stated in the characterizing part of claim 1. Accordingly, the accounting unit and the storage medium are designed to transfer value units from one storage medium to another. In this way, the possibility of a non-commercial intermediary is given. Also, someone who still has a plurality of units of value on its storage medium, support another or help him out by transferring his units of value to the storage medium of the other in whole or in part. The inventive Solution thus allows a much more flexible use of the device, since it is no longer absolutely necessary to visit a charging point for charging the storage medium, but it is also possible to obtain units of value from another storage medium. This is particularly important in devices that are used to basic human services with drinking water, as this cashless value units, which typically correspond to a specific dispensing amount of water, can be arbitrarily transferred from one to another storage medium. So it is sufficient, especially in rural areas, when only one representative of a group of people charges his storage medium in a recharging point with units of value. He can then later provide the other people in his group with units of value by this is transferred from his electronic storage medium sequentially each on a storage medium of a person in the group.

In principle any suitable medium, for example a magnetic stripe or chip memory card, can be used as the electronic storage medium. A storage medium, but is particularly advantageously used, the (R adio F requency Id entification) transponder operates with a RFID wherein the charging unit comprises an RFID writing and reading unit via which the memory content is interrogated and changeable.

The storage medium to be integrated in an RFID transponder is particularly advantageous because it allows contactless data transmission, in particular contactless retrieval of the content of the storage medium of the RFID transponder by the billing unit and further overwriting of the memory contents of the RFID transponder by means of the RFID -Writing and reading device, which forms part of the accounting unit. Such RFID transponders belong to the prior art, they can, for example, inductive or electromagnetic be detachable. These are mature and well-known systems. The transponders are typically completely embedded in plastic, so that they are insensitive to contamination and at least in the short term against moisture.

Advantageously, the device has different types of storage media, which are each provided for specific applications or groups of people. Thus, according to the invention, a first type of storage media is provided which is provided only for dispensing value units to another storage medium in the billing unit. Conveniently, corresponding storage media receptacles are provided for this purpose in the billing unit, be it that two storage media are successively placed in a receptacle or that two separate receptacles are present for each medium.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a second type of storage media is provided, which is provided for receiving value units of the first type of storage media and / or of the second type of storage media in the billing unit. This second type of storage media thus typically represents a removal storage medium, wherein as an additional function instead of or in addition to the removal of water, a transfer of value units to another storage medium, typically the second type of storage media is possible. This second type of storage media is thus intended for consumers, whereas the first type of storage media is intended more for administrators, distributors or sellers.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a third type of storage media is provided, which is provided for a predetermined time and / or quantity-controlled delivery of water. This type of storage media is typically intended for end users and serves an end user, for example, daily tap a predetermined amount of water on the device. This third type of storage media may optionally be combined with other features / properties of storage media, such as those of the second type of storage media, but typically with the limitation that the predetermined time and / or volume delivery of water is not affected.

Finally, according to the invention, a further, namely a fourth type of storage media can be provided, which serves for the selection of the dispensing point. Then, the device has a plurality of taps, wherein the tapping point to be selected by the fourth type of storage medium is typically a hard-lined tapping point, for example for the water supply of a school, a house or a farm. This fourth type of storage media cooperates with another type of storage media, via which the dispensing amount is determined. This can either be one of the second type of storage media or one of the third type of storage media.

In order to be able to process two storage media of different types, in particular two RFID transponders, the billing unit is designed such that it can simultaneously record and process two storage media. Thus, either two receptacles for RFID transponders or a receptacle for the common reception of two RFID transponders can be provided.

According to one embodiment of the invention, means for water treatment are provided on the system side or device side, so that optionally water of different quality can be output. Thus, the aforementioned types of storage media may each be predetermined for one or more different water qualities. The latter is advantageous according to the invention by a development of the fourth type of storage media, quasi as a special tap. Thus, the device may be provided for the selective dispensing of drinking water, water for supplying livestock or water for watering plants or as a coolant.

It can be provided according to the invention that one or more such devices with the same types of storage media or possibly differently coded work, so that, for example, with the first type of storage media, value units can be delivered to other storage media of different devices, then each only in their own devices are available.

Regardless, it is provided according to a development of the device that the billing unit is designed so that it saves each transaction of value units of this medium by specifying the billing unit involved and the storage medium on a storage medium of the first kind, so that only on the basis of this storage medium is always traceable which units of value were given to which storage medium when and where.

Typically, the device according to the invention is advantageously designed such that the billing unit can be connected to an external data server via a data connection, so that when a storage medium is received in the billing unit, data can be matched to the external data server. Such a data server may advantageously be connected via an internet connection. It is understood that the device is designed so that it reliably performs its function even in the event of a malfunction of the Internet connection. For this purpose, if appropriate buffer memories are provided in the billing unit of the device, which buffer data from storage media used in the meantime and then at later Recover the data connection to the external data server with this exchange.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is possible by means of the external data server to block a storage medium in the billing unit for further use in the system, if, for example, it turns out that this storage medium has been stolen or is being misused. Furthermore, by means of the external data server, a storage medium located in the billing unit can be charged with value units, in particular for charging storage media of the first type, but possibly also for charging storage media of the second type. These charging or blocking operations can not be manipulated by the user, but instead run as soon as the respective storage medium is located in the billing unit. It is understood that the storage media are individualized for this purpose, i. are provided with a unique code that is transmitted when inserting the storage medium in the billing unit on the external data server.

The device according to the invention is intended in particular for water supply systems for self-sufficient water supply in rural areas, where especially drinking water is in short supply. Typically, the plant next to a water storage a power supply device, eg. As a photovoltaic or wind turbine, generated by means of electricity and the system or the device is supplied with energy. Furthermore, the plant typically has a borehole pump through which groundwater is pumped from the ground into a reservoir. The system control takes place at least partially by the device according to the invention

Fig. 1

in stark vereinfachter schematischer Darstellung eine Wasserversorgungsanlage mit einer Vorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung und

Fig. 2

das Bedien- und Aufnahmepanel der Abrechnungseinheit der Vorrichtung.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

in a highly simplified schematic representation of a water supply system with a device according to the invention and

Fig. 2

the control and recording panel of the billing unit of the device.

The water supply system illustrated with reference to FIGS has a device 1 for controlling the delivery of water with a central accounting unit, which is arranged in a closed housing, on the front of a control panel 2 and a tap 3, a line input 4 and in this embodiment another Line input 7 and two line outputs 5 and 6, which are interconnected within the billing unit. Via the input line 4, the unit receives water from a first memory 8, which can be filled via the line output 5. Furthermore, a second water reservoir 9 is provided, which is connected downstream of the device 1 and is filled by the latter via the outlet line 6. This water reservoir 9 is connected via a line 10 to a tapping point 11, which may be arranged, for example, in a house or at another suitable location away from the device 1 with the billing unit. Finally, the unit 1 has a further input line 7, via which a borehole pump 14 is connected, which promotes groundwater, which is conveyed depending on the switching position of the valve within the device 1 in the first memory 8 or directly to one of the consumers 3 and 9 respectively ,

The unit 1 is supplied with energy via solar cells 12. Solar cells 12 also supply a borehole pump 14 with electricity via an inverter 13.

The control panel 2 is in Fig. 2 shown in detail. It has a receptacle 15, in which either one or two RFID transponders can be inserted as storage media, which are supplied in a wireless manner within the receptacle 15 in a manner known per se and are data-connected to the billing unit. The billing unit can electrically supply the RFID transponder in the receptacle 15, thereby reading out the data stored in its electronic memory and optionally replacing it with others. For the device described above, a total of four types of RFID transponders with different functions are determined. The different types may be color or otherwise graphically or in terms of their geometry, so that the function of operators of the device is easily recognizable.

Here, a first type of RFID transponders is provided, which are designed so that they are not provided for the immediate removal of water, but only for the transmission of value units within the billing unit. Each value unit entitles to withdraw a certain amount of water or to withdraw it for a certain period of time. This first type of RFID transponders is charged at separate, not described here, charging stations and is used exclusively for distributing the value units on RFID transponders of a second type, which is provided primarily for value unit-dependent water removal within the device 1. However, this second type of RFID transponder is designed such that the value units (number of value units) stored thereon can be transferred to another RFID transponder of the second type if both transponders are inserted into the receptacle 15 and initiated accordingly via the control panel becomes.

In addition, the second type of transponder is not only suitable for value units of the first type of transponder in the recording Receive 15 in the billing unit and remove water value units depending, but also to transfer value units to another transponder of the second kind, so that users who are equipped with a transponder of the second type, also transfer value units to another user by means of the billing unit can.

In addition, there is a third type of RFID transponders, which cause a time and / or quantity-controlled release of water when they are inserted into the receptacle 15. These transponders are especially designed to deliver daily a certain amount of water, as is required for example for the emergency care of people in arid areas. These RFID transponders of the third kind are basically free of value units. However, it is conceivable to combine transponders of the second and third type with regard to their properties.

Finally, a fourth type of RFID transponders is provided, which serves exclusively for the selection of the tap. Such an RFID transponder must always be incorporated into the receptacle 15 with another RFID transponder, be it one of the second type (typically) or possibly also the third type, if the device has been designed for this purpose. In addition to the RFID transponders of the second and third types required for the removal of water, additional RFID transponders of the fourth type for selecting the dispensing point and RFID transponders of the first type for transmitting value units are provided here.

The control panel 2, in addition to the receptacle 15, a display 16 which displays the necessary instructions and information required for operation and only appropriate. Furthermore, the control panel in this embodiment ( Fig. 2 ) a total of 4 control buttons 17, 18, 19 and 20. The button 17 located on the left of the panel 2 controls the value, whether it is the number of units of value to be removed, or the amount of water to be removed, or the number of value units to be transferred during the transfer. Parallel to this, the value units located on the respective transponder are displayed on the display 16. Finally, via an input key 19, charging of value units to the transponders is provided by means of a mobile phone which permits a unique user assignment. The actual water removal is controlled by the key 20, which causes the release at the respective tap.

If, for example, value units are to be transmitted from a transponder of the first type to a transponder of the second type, both transponders are placed one above the other in the receptacle 15, whereafter the transponders are supplied with power and the data is automatically read out. It can then be selected by corresponding actuation of the button 17, the number of value units to be transmitted from the transponder of the first kind on the second type. These are shown in the display. As soon as the key 18 is pressed, a transmission takes place, at the same time the memories in the transponders are rewritten, the identifier of the transponder of the second type, the time and the identifier of the transmitting apparatus 1 being stored in the memory of the transponder of the first type become.

If, in contrast, only one transponder of the second type is inserted into the receptacle 15, then this is detected on the device side, and the value units stored in the memory of the transponder are displayed on the display 16. By pressing the button 17, the number of value units or the amount of water to be dispensed at the tapping point can now be selected. After this is done, the key 20 pressed, which then causes a release of the water at the tap, typically at the tap 3.

If a transponder of the second type is inserted into the receptacle together with a transponder of the fourth type, this is detected in the accounting unit. The transponder of the fourth type determines the tapping point. This is not necessarily within the billing unit, but can, as based on Fig. 1 is exemplified, for. B. be formed by the output line 6, which leads first to the water reservoir 9 and the line 10 to the tap 11. In the same way, any further output lines can be provided which, with the interposition of a memory or even without a buffer directly to a tap, z. In a school or house. Once the transponder of the fourth type is inserted in the receptacle 15, this is detected within the unit and the associated consumption-side line is controlled. The quantitative delivery is then made at the button 17 according to the value units given and by final operation of the button 20, after which the corresponding amount of water released and the memory of the transponder is described with the remaining amount of units of value.

The initially described third type of transponder is typically provided to release a predetermined amount per day, this amount can be removed after inserting the transponder in the receptacle 15 by pressing the button 20 at the tap 3, after which the transponder in the receptacle 15 memory side reset becomes, so then, for example, only the next day a dispensing amount is removed again.

The above-described device 1 with billing unit, which is housed in a closed housing and all essential for In addition, the operation of the individual components of the system includes essential electrical and hydraulic controls, is also connected either via a line connection or wirelessly connected to an external server, so that all inputs and withdrawals are not only recorded, but are transmitted to the external server. In particular, transmitted to the external server, which value units are transmitted from one transponder to another and which value units are consumed by water consumption on which transponder. Thus, the total water consumption of the device as well as the number and distribution of the value units on the transponders can be determined centrally. Also, a transponder located in the receptacle 15 can be blocked for further use in the system via the external data server. It is also possible to charge via the data server a transponder located in the receptacle 15 with value units.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 -

contraption

2 -

control panel

3 -

tap

4 -

Input line from the first memory. 8

5 -

Output line to the first memory 8

6 -

Output line to the second memory 9

7 -

Inlet line from the pump

8th -

First store

9 -

Second memory

10 -

Line from the second memory to the other tap 11

11 -

continue tap

12 -

solar cells

13 -

inverter

14 -

pump

15 -

admission

16 -

display

17 -

button

18 -

button

19 -

button

20 -

button

Claims (14)

Device for controlling the delivery of water from at least one water reservoir (8) and / or a pump (14) to at least one bleed point (3), with means for controlling the delivery of water to the bleed point and with a cashless electronic billboard, characterized in that the billing unit and storage media are designed to transfer value units from one storage medium to another. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that each storage medium has an RFID transponder and the accounting unit has an RFID writing and reading device, via which the memory contents of a storage medium can be queried and changed. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a first type of storage media is provided, which is provided only for dispensing value units to another storage medium in the billing unit. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second type of storage media is provided, which is provided for receiving value units of a storage medium of the first type and / or a storage medium of the second type in the billing unit. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a third type of storage media is provided for a predetermined time and / or quantity controlled delivery of water. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of taps (3, 11) are provided and that a fourth type of storage media is provided, which serves to select the tapping point. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the billing unit is provided for the simultaneous recording and signal processing of two storage media. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the billing unit is provided for the simultaneous recording of a storage medium of the fourth type of storage media and another storage medium of a different nature, wherein the tapping point and the further storage medium determines the tapping volume by the one storage medium of the fourth type is. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the billing unit stores on a storage medium of the first type each transaction of value units of this medium, indicating the billing unit involved and the storage medium involved. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a tapping point is formed by a line connection to a remote consumer. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means for water treatment are provided and that optionally water of different quality can be dispensed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the billing unit via a data connection to an external data server is connectable and that when recording a storage medium in the billing unit, a data comparison with the external data server. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of the external data server located in the billing unit storage medium for further use is lockable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of the external data server, a storage medium located in the billing unit can be charged with value units.

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